Jasiri X and Chuck D of Public Enemy at the Occupy the Justice Department Rally for Mumia in DC (Photo by Paradise Gray)

It’s been a whirlwind week for me on the Hip-Hop side of things. I performed in Stamford, CT at a Student Diversity Conference which was keynoted by the great Tim Wise, who the inspiration behind my viral video, “What if the Tea Party was Black“. From there I made my triumphant return to the University of Connecticut, whose student government tried to censor me a few months back. The guy who sent me the email that said I couldn’t perform “Occupy (We the 99)” even came to apologize.

Next I headed to Tulane University in New Orleans to participate in an powerful panel titled, “Trayvon Martin and the Rebirth of a Nation“. The panel was hosted by Hip-Hop author and scholar Bakari Kitwana and featured Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, Joan Morgan, Elizabeth Mendez Berry, and Hip-Hop artist Dee-1. We not only focused on the way media frames race in America, but we also had breakouts with local organizers around issues like violence in our communities and police brutality.

The next morning I hoped on a plane to DC to participate in the Occupy the Justice Department Rally for Mumia Abu Jamal on his birthday. Not only did we hear from Mumia but also representing were Chuck D, M-1 from Dead Prez, Rebel Diaz, Pam Africa and actor/activist Danny Glover. After a brief march a large group of activists got arrested in front of the White House to protest not only Mumia’s unjust imprisonment, but the mass incarceration of Black and Brown people.

Occupy the Hood, which brought a busload of young people to the rally was nice enough to give me a ride to my next destination New York City. Columbia University was the host of a incredible conference dedicated to the late great Manning Marable. I was honored to be on a panel about Hip-Hop with fellow MC/Acivists Immortal Technique, Invincible and graffiti legend Sen One, at the historic Schomburg.

Jasiri X, Suijatha Ferndndes, Immortal Technique, Invincible, and Sen One at the Schomburg

While in New York I not only got to perform for the first time in Hip-Hop’s birthplace the Bronx, I also got to do radio interviews with Jay Smooth, host of the “Underground Railroad” on WBAI and DJ Dharmic X, host of “The Culture Never Dies” on WNYU. After the show DJ Dharmic took us to the studio to build with legendary underground producer 9th Wonder. The next day was even more special, I got to perform on the same stage with X-Clan and Brand Nubian at SOBs. Words can’t explain the feeling I felt when Brother J brought me on stage during X-Clan’s set to say how much he appreciates my music and movement. Next stop is LA to participate in their May Day action, details coming soon.

Oh did I mention I got some new music? Check my latest video “That Funk” directed by my good friend Will Feagins Jr. and produced by Rel!g!on. This is a example of the incredible jewels we got in store for my upcoming album “Ascension” on Wandering Worx.

I was also blessed to be on a track with the legendary Sadat X of Brand Nubian, courtesy of my brother from Norway Capital X. If you want that real Hip-Hop check out “XXX”

The last new track I’ve recently released is part of a project by the Shift campaign to combat the death merchants in our hoods called fast food restaurants and corner stores. Check out how “Snacks Kill” and get prepared for the controversial video coming soon